We were very humbled to recently have the opportunity to interview Dulcie Taylor. The singer songwriter, based in Arroyo Grande, California, first came to our attention back in 2018, with her song, ‘Halfway To Jesus‘. More recently we’ve been very much moved by her single, ‘Soft Place To Fall‘, a song which offers the listener a refuge, a solace – indeed, a soft place to fall – away from the turmoil of the lives we’ve experienced these last few years.
We ask you to sit back, relax, and soak up our chat with Dulcie Taylor. Let us know what you think in the comments!
We’re loving your new single, ‘Soft Place To Fall’, and the video is really lovely too! What was the inspiration for the song?
There are always harrowing times, but here of late, they’ve been especially so. But it always helps if a person has someone to help them through the hard times. It can be a family member, a friend, a lover – someone who genuinely cares for you and will be there to help you keep it together or get it back together.
Where is your soft place?
My soft place – I have several – my husband, my family, my friends, my fur friends.
The song reminds me of Fleetwood Mac, and vocally you’ve got a touch of Stevie Nicks about you as well! Who would you consider to be your biggest musical inspirations and why?
I’ve been told that before. Of course, I love that band and I love her so I consider it a compliment. I consider Bob Dylan my biggest musical inspiration. I love how he uses words, I love how he sings, I love the music he puts with his lyrics. I love his honesty and his fearlessness.
We’ve had a pretty tumultuous past few years, and it doesn’t seem to be letting up any time soon. What should we be doing to help the earth, to help our fellow humans, animals, nature? To help provide a soft place?
That saying about “walking softly on the earth,” “leaving as small a carbon footprint as possible,” – those two things would help the Earth tremendously if we all tried to do that. I’ve switched out almost all my plastic containers of dish soap and laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, etc. for truly recyclable options. Once you do that and get used to it, it feels great. I do everything, along those lines, that I can. You know, that cardboard core of your toilet paper is recyclable, so is that plastic wrapped around it when you bring it home.
Animals – support legislation that recognizes that animals have the right to share this earth with us and not be abused by humans. I’ve been a member of PETA since before the Flood. And I’ve been a member of humane farming groups too. I personally am a vegan. And it’s for philosophical reasons as much as health reasons.
I try to be there for my friends and my loved ones when they need me. I try to be their “soft place.” Also, I realize I can’t personally save all the animals, but if a homeless animal crosses my path, I try to help it. And with the internet, I’ve come to realize how many people out there feel the same way. It’s very uplifting. Reels on IG is a great place to watch absolutely wonderful animal videos. The ones that really amaze me are the people who have close relationships with REALLY BIG CATS. I know how much one of my domestic cats can hurt me and not mean to. I don’t know how those people manage it. I love the videos they post with their very big cat friends.
You co-wrote ‘Soft Place To Fall’ with George Nauful, who also plays electric guitar on the track. How did this collaboration come about?
We write together quite frequently and each time, it takes its own course. I started the song – I was thinking of writing a blues tune – I think that’s where the edginess in the verses comes from – and he loved what I had come up with. He wrote the bridge music and the outro music. I love it when we write together, it’s like one person doing it. But we’re really on the same page aesthetically.
If you could go back and make any changes in your life or career, would you? And if so – what changes would you make? Similarly, if not, why not?
I try not to have regrets because we can’t change the past. That’s a sad road to go down, as far as I’m concerned. I try to learn from what I consider mistakes, so I guess that’s regret of a certain type. I’m sure there are things I could have done “better” – what does that mean?? – but I’m who I am today because of the choices I’ve made in life. I like myself pretty good, most days…
What lies ahead for Dulcie Taylor? What can fans expect?
More music. More live shows. (A new EP in Spring 2023).
Finally – what question is it that you wish someone would ask you in an interview, but so far, nobody ever has? And what is the answer to that question?
I’m so sorry, I have no answer for this question. I’ve been interviewed a lot and I’ve never ended an interview thinking, “Golly, if they had only asked me such and such.” People ask what they ask and you roll along. Maybe if you ask me this some other time, I’ll have an answer.
Watch the video for ‘Soft Place To Fall’ below. Dulcie Taylor is online and you can find out more about this amazing artist and her music on her official website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
